Learn From a Pink Slip

By

Dennis Nishi

January 22, 2012

A month after landing a job as an account executive at a New York public-relations firm, Michael Goon was fired. The company was vague about the reasons why, but the shock inspired the 25-year-old to reflect on how he could have been a better employee.

"I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't mess up again," says Mr. Goon.

He wrangled a meeting with the CEO of New York-based Kaplow Public Relations, who asked him...